Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez is determined that last season's Champions
League winners take the Europa League seriously, beginning with the last-32
first leg at Sparta Prague.

The match at the Generali Arena is Chelsea's first away fixture in Europe since
Roberto Di Matteo was sacked following the 3-0 defeat to Juventus which all but sealed their exit from the Champions League.

The Blues are at near full strength, with David Luiz suspended, Demba Ba
ineligible and Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel rested following their African
Nations Cup win with Nigeria, and Benitez is keen to ensure they take the game seriously.

"This is a massive city, massive club and a massive competition,'' Benitez
said.
"We are really pleased to be here. Obviously, you cannot change things. The
Champions League is a massive competition, but the Europa League is also a
massive competition.

"We play against an historic team. We're really pleased and, for me, I try to
give my players the right message. We know it will be tough. It's against a great team, a great club and a great
city.''

Benitez has a contract until the end of the season and would not look towards
the possibility of taking permanent control should Chelsea win the Europa
League.

"We have to concentrate on the future and the future is tomorrow,'' said
Benitez, whose position could yet be under threat with four wins in 11 games.
"I cannot talk about what will happen in three months' time. We have to
concentrate on this competition - it's quite difficult - and tomorrow will be a
tough game, so that is my priority.''

Captain John Terry was the main fitness concern for Chelsea after missing the
4-1 Premier League win over Wigan with an inflammation on his knee. He
is fit to be selected.

Benitez said: "There was no reaction to his knee (from training), that is
positive. It's a question of time.''

Even in Prague, Benitez cannot escape questions on Fernando Torres and his
former club Liverpool.
Torres has scored one in 12, but is Benitez's only strike option due to the
absences of Ba and Moses.

"It's a problem,'' Benitez said.
"We'll try to keep Fernando fit, playing well, hopefully scoring goals. If we don't have Fernando for any reason we'll have to manage. Victor Moses
will come back and be an option. We can play without a striker like Spain. We'll see.''

Benitez again defended the record of the European Championship and World Cup
winner.

"The perception is that Fernando has not scored goals - that is not true,'' he
said.
"He has scored 15 or 16 goals. He's not scored in a couple of games, but he
was playing as our lone striker for maybe 10 games.

"When you play two games a week it's not easy for the striker. I said when we
signed Demba Ba that would be good for him. I think he will score goals again.''